Garlic Butter Tilapia

Sometimes a nice simple recipe is all you need. What I love about this recipe (besides the fish!) is the reminder that we have a lot of basic flavorings in our kitchens and it is easy to create something with a savory taste. We don't need "Marie Calendar" for that special flavor. We can make it ourselves, with a little experimenting. =)

I made this tonight while listening to two of the IT staff on the phone. They were troubleshooting some upgrade complications and I was being supportive by offering suggestions, but mainly listening in case there was something I could help with. At the end of the phone call I offered them some garlic butter tilapia. Too bad they did not live closer to try it!

Ingredients:

• Uncooked tilapia fillet(s)
• Butter/margarine
• Garlic, chopped
  
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika

Directions:

• Saute the garlic in the butter.
• Add the tilapia fillet(s) and salt and pepper lightly. I suggest cooking the "top" of the fillet first (top down) so that when you flip the fillet to finish the other side, you are looking at the finished product.
  
• While cooking the last side, dash some paprika on top.
  

Deviled Eggs

I love eggs, and it's nice to have a way to have eggs differently than the traditional breakfast preparation: fried, scrambled, etc. Deviled eggs are one of those foods that are simple to make yet satisfy my appetite for a while (thanks, protein!).

Ingredients:

• A few eggs
• Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
• Sugar
• Paprika

Directions:

• Hard boil the eggs. It's not necessary for the water to boil, but it needs to be hot. Cooking the eggs may take 10 - 15 minutes after the water is brought up to full heat.
• Cool the eggs by draining the hot water and adding cold water. Top the water with ice. Boiled eggs are best served cold, and I think this helps the insides set up.
• Slice the eggs in half length-wise.
  
• Remove the yolks to a bowl.
• Mix the above ingredients with the egg yolks. Using a fork to break and mix the yolks is an effective approach.
• Start with a small amount of Mayo/Miracle Whip and add more if you want it more creamy.
• A pinch of sugar is usually enough.
• Refill the egg white halves with your mixture.
• Shake a small amount of Paprika on each piece.
  

Guacamole Dip

Each time I watch a television show, view a magazine, or walk through the produce department of a store and see avocados, I have a hard time resisting them. Over the last few years I've developed a taste for these wonderful fruits. As a child, I saw guacamole dip and wondered why anyone would want to put something green on their tortilla chip. Now, I savor that "green dip" and found a good and simple recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 avocados
• 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 1/4 cup diced green chiles (canned chiles are the easiest!)
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (I prefer regular tomatoes, not Romas or another variety)
  
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• salt
  

Directions:

• Cut avocadoes, remove pit, and mash with a fork.
• Add all other ingredients. Salt to taste.
• Eat with your favorite tortilla chip.